Their first match involved one of the most dramatic moments of the 2014/15 campaign, as Gary Hooper netted superbly in the final seconds to steal an improbable victory against The Trotters.

Buoyed by that success, City headed to Leeds three days later, in what was to prove a special homecoming for former United skipper Jonny Howson.

After Graham Dorrans missed a penalty in the first half, Howson eventually broke the deadlock just shy of the hour-mark with a composed finish.

The popular midfielder then displayed the obvious affection he holds for his hometown Club; apologetically refusing to celebrate as he was mobbed by teammates.

Dorrans atoned for his earlier miss in the final minute by confidently stroking home from inside the box, lifting the Canaries into the automatic promotion positions.

Although they would ultimately fall short of a place in the top two, back-to-back away wins offered insight into the steely and relentless determination within the City camp to get the job done - one way or another.

After introducing himself to the squad, Neil flew down to the south coast for what looked set to be one of the trickiest fixtures of the 2014/15 season.

Things didn't get off to a great start as Matt Ritchie put the Cherries in front early on, but Gary Hooper restored parity from close-range as half-time loomed.

From there, it looked to have all gone wrong as the visitors lost two players to injury before Jonny Howson was sent off, prompting City's new boss to march down from the stands and take his place on the touchline.

Against all odds, ten-man City continued to battle, and Cameron Jerome's stunning winner ten minutes from time got Neil's reign underway in perfect fashion as he instructed.

Late goals would go on to become a hallmark for the remainder of the season, with the impressive victory at Bournemouth an early indication of what was to come.